Have you been thinking about ways to take your farm a different direction or uniquely add value to your grain operation?
One of many ways to do this is by transitioning your grain farm to USDA-certified organic production. To address this production system, OSU Extension will be holding the Ohio Organic Grains Conference Jan. 4-5 in Archbold, Ohio.
This in-person event is geographically positioned in the tri-state region (Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan) and is intended for current, transitioning and new-to organic grain farmers, crop consultants, agency personnel, input suppliers, and grain buyers. The event venue will be at Founders Hall at the Sauder Village campus.
Keynote speakers for the event will be Dr. Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University, and Lea Vereecke, Rodale Institute, who will present both days along with selected farmers, crop consultants, and university personnel.
The event will begin Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. with sessions focused on the existing/advanced organic grain grower that include the following topics and speakers:
OSU Organic Corn and Sunflower Trials -- Dr. Osler Ortez, OSU Extension
No-till Organic Soybeans -- Lea Vereecke, Rodale Institute
Why Canola, Sunflowers, and Alfalfa are in my Rotation-- Steve Turnow, farmer
Soil Health in Organic Grains -- Dr. Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University
Grower Panel: Future of Organic Grains - Dave Shively, Angela Schriver, Lou Kozma, Jim Jacobs
On Jan. 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., sessions will be focused specifically on new and transitioning farmers and will include these topics and speakers:
The Power of Soil Biology -- Danielle Kusner, Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)
Integrating Steel & Ecology for Better Weed Mgmt. -- Dr. Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University
Importance of Crop Rotation -- Lea Vereecke, Rodale Institute
Lunch with Grower Roundtable
Organic Transition Process -- Julia Barton, OEFFA
Grower Panel: Getting N to Your Organic Grains- Levi Haselman, Scott Myers, Jon Findlay
Grain Buyer Panel: Marketing Options for Organic Grains -- Cargill, Perdue Ag, Kalmbach Feeds
A Review of the 2023 Organic Corn & Soybean Enterprise Budgets -- Eric Richer, OSU Extension
While each day is specific to advanced or transitioning farmers, respectively, it is strongly encouraged to attend both days of the conference. The event will have numerous exhibitor-sponsors as well as networking time built into the schedule. If you are interested in being a conference sponsor, visit www.go.osu.edu/organicgrains for sponsorship forms.
Early Bird registration is $90 for both days ($60 for a single day) and due by Dec. 9. After Dec. 9, registration increases to $120 for both days ($80 for a single day). Student (high school and college) Early Bird rates are $65 for both days ($40 for a single day). After Dec. 9, student rate increases to $90 for both days ($65 for a single day).
For those staying overnight, Sauder Heritage Inn is the conference hotel. Rooms are available until Dec. 9. Hotel stay includes a hot breakfast. Book directly by calling (800) 590-9755.
Questions related to this event can be directed to Eric Richer, OSU Extension, richer.5@osu.edu or Maddie Newcomb Newcomb.84@osu.edu or by calling 419-337-9210.
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